Icandothis2013

Day 4 and the pain in my elbow, wrist and thumb is excruciating. I have a Doctor’s appointment on Monday but I think it is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome not Cubital Tunnel Syndrome as first thought .. I can’t take pain killers as they make me woozy (funny how I don’t mind being woozy from alcohol !)..I also need to focus on myself and get back into self-care, yoga etc. Why is it so hard to do that when I know it does me so much good ? ! Sigh. I have to fix the Carpal Tunnel if that’s what it is, as I write reports for a living. Anyone had it and fixed it ??

phoebe64

I have carpal tunnel syndrome, but not to the point of surgery. For me, it gets exacerbated when drinking because any swelling or fluid retention contributes to the tight space where the nerve is compressed. It acts up if I hold my phone too much or color/write for a long time.

If your dr. said it’s cubital tunnel syndrome, not sure why you disagree. Carpal tunnel involves the wrist and hand, not elbow. Did your dr suggest any therapy or treatment for your problem? Physical therapy and tissue work has helped people.

Icandothis2013

I now doubt it is cubital tunnel syndrome as a doctor friend said it was the wrong nerve (ulnar vs medial) and referred me to an expert hand/arm/specialist friend of his who I will see on Monday !

least

I had carpal tunnel in both hands 20 yrs ago. Had surgery in both hands, which fixed it. But after I want back to work, doing the same repetitive motion jobs, it came back.

Icandothis2013

Sorry to hear that Least. Do you still have it now ? I’m sure it got better when you stopped drinking right ? Nerves don’t like alcohol !

ScottFromWI

Glad to hear you are seeing a specialist. I'd recommend avoiding self diagnosis - either via the internet ( Dr. Google ) or word of mouth as it can lead to that spiraling sense of unneeded worry. I work at a computer most of the time and have issues with my wrists - not to the point of needing surgery, but there are exercises you can do to help, even if surgery is eventually required.

Anna

Yes, I have it, too. But I can manage it so far, by doing exercises. Also, I bought a hand/wrist brace at the drug store and it's been amazingly helpful. Maybe you could consider trying that. Also, google good posture re carpal tunnel syndrome and you might find that helpful too. It makes a big difference how you sit and hold your arms/wrists.

Icandothis2013

Thank you Anna and Scott. Yes, I’ll see what the hand/arm specialist says on Monday and respect his diagnosis rather than that of Dr Google !

least

I have it again now, not due to work, as I'm retired, but due to constantly grasping the mouse. Typing doesn't bother me, it's not the 'tapping' motions that bother me, it's the 'grasping' motions. It hurts to hold a pen for very long.

I have a mouse pad with a wrist rest on it which helps a bit.

phoebe64

A specialist sounds like a good idea. I hope you find treatment and exercises/stretches that help.

saoutchik

I hope your visit to the specialist today was positive Icdt.

MyLittleHorsie

I have problems with my ulnar nerve. I never remember proper name, just every so often I lose feeling and control in my right pinky and ring finger. Mine is work/computer related.
I don't know if quitting drinking helped, I am sure it didn't hinder. I do exercises, sleep with my arms outstretched, hugging a body pillow. I try to eat an anti inflammatory diet, how that looks is individual to each person. (Sugar 8s bad, but I tolerate nightshade, I don't do animal protein, stay away from most wheat) It's been a while since I have had an issue, so knock wood, fingers crossed. I probably have a good 25 years of working left in me, so I need to take care of myself. Definitely speak with a specialist and explore all options.